N.M. has submitted the above cards for interpretation. The first three cards are the “heart” of the reading and are read as a unit. Then, the fourth card is drawn and read as a summary or clarifier. Since two out of the first three are wands, the focus of this reading is on N.M.’s skills and talents. It isn’t until we get to the summary card that there are two swords as well, and that’s when the idea of overcoming conflict emphasizes the information held in the third card and secures a place in this interpretation.

The spotlight has been on the page of wands, starting the journey toward mastery and dedicating one’s skills and talents toward reaching that goal. Wands are linked to the element of fire, the spirit and life force we embody, and the pages carry the master number 11, the vibration of the visionary. The page has chosen to focus her/his efforts and use the motivation of becoming a master to guide her/his steps on the path ahead. In other words, this page has decided to put all her/his efforts into becoming one of the best there is in whatever field has been chosen. (S)he has made a commitment of time and energy to practice and grow her/his skills and talents to the level where (s)he is acknowledged to be at the top. Keep going.

The spotlight is now on the knight of wands, the next logical step from the first card in this reading. You are well on your way into the chosen journey, N.M. You have gone “all in” and are suddenly worried that there is not sufficient time and/or energy to make it to your goal. You are looking for some sort of confirmation from Source that you are on the right path and that you’ve got what it takes. The advice of the card is a wonderful confirmation that you have more than enough energy/spirit to reach your intended goal with some to spare. Keep going.

The spotlight is moving onto the six of swords, a card of service and healing. You are attempting to move yourself and others out of the rough waters and into the smooth. The advice of the card is to keep a light touch. If you bear down on the points of conflict, you will sink the boat. This does not mean ignoring reality; it just means not to feed the negativity. Focus on the goal ahead, getting into the smooth water, reassuring yourself and others that you can come out of this in good shape, gently assert that you are making progress in the right direction. Keep going.

The summary card is the ten of swords, using discernment. It’s all about the word “appropriate.” Notice the position of the fingers in the figure’s right hand. (S)he entered the situation to bring it a blessing but failed to pause on the threshold to make sure that the situation needed and wanted this blessing. The swords are psychological; the red in the picture is the character’s cloak, not blood. (S)he will rise again (see the light chasing away the darkness) and proceed on the journey, sadder and wiser. This card appears to prevent your committing the same error, N.M.. Before you give of your skills and talents, your thoughts, your actions, your resources, your time, etc., make sure it will be received in the spirit with which it is offered. If you suspect that this is not the case, pick yourself up, remove yourself from the situation, and find another environment in which your blessing will have positive effects. Even though the first three cards are urging you to keep going, please pause before you over-commit and get trapped.

Does this make sense? I hope it was helpful. For more information on using tarot cards for insight and guidance, please see http://www.tarotforalltime.com For those of you in the Eugene, OR area, I will be participating in the Joyful Heart Psychic Fair at the Fairgrounds http://www.JoyfulHeartPsychicFair.com on June 4 and invite you to stop by. Thank you.